Let’s say I told you I had a beat-up, ratty four-door for you to restore. What would you imagine? A Chevelle, maybe, possibly some kind of Plymouth. What if I then said, “It’s French”? Would I hear nothing but your footsteps as you ran away? Well, here it is, a 1970 Citroen DS that’s on offer on eBay at a current bid of $1,575 with the reserve not met. It’s located in Escondido, CA, so at least you can assume it’s been in a favorable climate over its lifetime. You have until Sunday to make your play on this rig.
A French car. Just what you need. The French are famous for two things: croissants, and going on strike. They’ve never been noted for their reliability standards in manufacturing efforts. So what are you getting into here? Well, it’s better than you might think. The DS was renowned for its technical innovations, such as a system that automatically leveled the suspension and allowed the driver to adjust ride height. Does that still work on this model? The parts appear to be there, and the seller claims it still goes up and down, so maybe it’s OK.
However, this one’s a bit of a mess, body-wise, with sheet metal damage evident and rust perforation as well. It’s said to be featuring original paint and panels, but you’re not going to want to drive it looking like it does. The undercarriage, further, has some unexplained goop here and there, and rusty components as well. What will you have when you’re done fixing all that and tidying up the interior? A Citroen DS, made by the company over a twenty-year span from 1955-75. They were all front-wheel drive back when that was somewhat exotic. The engine in this one is 2.0 liters backed up by a four-speed manual transmission that looks to be shifted on the column, though it’s hard to tell what angle the shifter sits at. The engine has 90,000 miles on it, and it is said to run, though the car has been sitting for 25 years.
There are a lot of these in the world, with a production run of almost 1.5 million. This car is not rare nor particularly special. If you like cars that only a mother could find attractive, then maybe this one is for you. It’s all there, after all, but everything needs attention, and you’ll be way, way over your head financially if you take on this project. If that’s OK, then throw your hat into the ring and save the whale, if you need a cause to belong to. Me? I’ll take the equivalent Chevy Malibu four-door, thank you very much.
Seller indicates it’s the ID19 which is the entry model for the series. I think the review is written in a bitter tone. These are special cars and this one looks to be pretty straightforward to repair. Obviously closer inspection is needed to see what the underside looks like but body panels are available and are easily removable to paint. Seller demonstrates the hydraulics still work and the engine runs so a huge plus there. Will need new suspension spheres and possibly some hydraulic rams resealed. Engines are pretty tough. If I already didn’t have a Citroen I would seriously consider.
Likewise. I own one, or I’d seriously consider it. Unfortunately, owning one, I can say they rust like no other car. I’d like to have hope for mine, but it is in an enclosed heated garage, and it’s rust only gets worse. These are fabulous cars to drive, and ride in.
I didn’t intend the tone to be bitter. I just wanted to comment on the odd nature of this find, and I knew that people with passion and knowledge would weigh in from there to educate us all on the finer points of these cars.
These are awesome cars. My dad had one for a while when I was a kid in the early seventies. Same car as this one and I remember how “smooth” it rode down the road with that air suspension. Incredible. I would guess that the parts shouldn’t be too hard to get since they made them for 20yrs. I myself would buy one already either restored or excellent original condition. BUT they are really special cars for their time and unless you ride or drive one, you don’t know what you’re missing. Good luck to everyone involved.
Nigh-unbelievably smooth suspension, probably the only car you’ll ever speed up to traverse speed bumps, just to marvel at how the bump seems less apparent to occupants the faster you go over it.
There was a fantastic article in Automobile Magazine (now merged with Motor Trend) some years ago, where a couple staff writers reported on their first experience driving a DS (better yet, a rare Chapron convertible version) over the course of a cross-country trip bringing it to its new owner.
Loved the article , thanks.
I remember checking one of these out at a car show in Montreal . I more or less dismissed it and ended up with a’71 Nova.
Kind of wish I’d taken the road less travelled after reading that!
Anybody, anywhere, that wants to know about the Citroen DS needs to read this article. I nearly bought one many years ago but the exhaust was blowing and the lady said it would be replaced by the next day when I could collect the car. Well, later that same day another buyer snapped it up without her having to sort out the muffler, so I lost out and have regretted it ever since. I have been a passenger in a couple of others since then and as described in the article there is NOTHING in the automotive world that even comes anywhere near it for comfort, including your Cadillacs, Buicks, Rolls Royce etc. I have owned them all and they all come in at a distinct second place!
Also I might add, I believe that these also came in a 2-door model as well. Great cars for sure!
Citroen itself never made any 2-door DS/ID models, but there was a very limited run of 2-door convertibles handbuilt by the firm of coachbuilder Henri Chapron, who also made at least two 2-door coupes I’m aware of.
I beg to differ. An ungainly DS Pallas was also offered.
My earlier comment was incorrect. The “2-door” DS Pallas I mentioned turned out to be a very bad chop job, not a factory option. My apologies.
The iconic DS coupé is André Ricou’s version with its wheelbase shortened 55 cm bodied in aluminum designed for competition unlike luxurious Chapron Coupés. André (Citroen dealer in Chambéry) created and campaigned competition Citroens beginning with the Traction Avant 11s.
This Citroen “miniatures” site has photos and details of the Citroens including the 2CV coupé created in the ‘50s restored by a Swiss collector over a 15 year period after found at a scrap dealers’ yard:
https://aventure-citroen-min.forumactif.com/t91-citroen-et-andre-ricou-1950-1961
This page provides production figures and links to the various Chapron-built custom DS variants, aside from his “usine” Décapotables (factory authorized and distributed cabriolets, of which about 1400 were made):
https://www.citroenet.org.uk/passenger-cars/michelin/ds/chapron/chapron-index.html
Thanks SubGlothius–that’s the best article I’ve seen on the Chapron built cars.
That’s a very interesting site James. Thank you.
Assuming parts are available, I think it can be restored, at least enough to be driveable. I don’t mind patina as long as there are no rust holes in the body, and that the frame of the car is solid. If everything is okay in those areas, then this car can, and should be saved.
Bidding is to $2175 and still hasn’t hit the reserve its $2000 more then I think its worth but there are those who love them and think its worth more
This is probably one of the poorest reviews I have read I my whole life. Writer has no idea about what he is talking about or about French engineering . (And no, I am not French). Please keep writing about Malibu, maybe you can do it better there.
I have 2 completely rust free examples, both are a fantastic autos and easy to maintain once they are refreshed. Stay alway from the rust buckets.
Okay, I hope this doesn’t stir up a bunch of dissent. We had a Citizen dealer in our town growing up. He also sold Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Ever since then I had the urge to strip everything under one of these build a frame, put a V8 in it, carbs up through the hood. I’d sell all the stripped parts to a Citroen fan. I’ve never yet seen one done like that and still would like to.
Actually, it’s been done on several DS, including one in my part of AZ where famous singer Cooper had this done to his, turning it into a RWD of course. It was listed for sale a couple years ago, not sure it sold.
I grew up in that same town as you know. That dealer, in addition to what you described, also had some other unusual cars hidden away including a 58 Edsel and at least one Jag Mark 2.
Doable on the original transaxle. There is a 5 speed Ford (Essex) V6 powered DS19 with rotation reversed. A Ford (Windsor) V8 can also be made to rotate the other way, so it is a candidate. The suspension is tough and would take care of the extra weight.
There is a lot of space to convert if you are so inclined. Just search “Rolf Nel photos” on Facebook for his album on the build.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=608238689199786&set=bc.AboyCgrhqXoGKV4onLAuy7LOfGr_RsdTjAcOSiW9C0aIYZXdAPvpJ9PqX09qCIxQQi-XJSPToMIonIcTJ6Aihf83arLRVQ631jHTOmRCkmwG9a8pyle_GYaAN-j43P4R0zM&opaqueCursor=AbpvuAiNXwCuURhfF0id_U1dGUHDjelz73sH3dN-PxGL0lc8c7EPRdaCqNLNNqUxLss34lsuivWdiuwuC7Fyf1fnck7UyV61mfX6-sF44L4BHoXaEDegcyUjLX9K7YdcgPqwibkOvrp7OVXbJMDzbKPRLYLp5WR5914yol0jKwTxKsCcMmZB28QuG-A_XaWNkKFn7Vxy33B3eGztZRImCGjxg1pSq6ZHDZGcsNxvraIY-id-dAmfLUWb3mBGU4_vz67kJl3olguQGdtjiCnP9ekem9rKNCmiJrRqvAl0TRVr2SAAlnxuXC3s6MtqR7Emau8t1LwOd5UkBKk6TUH3aTzcyyQ7RIQ-rJHwziy27D0tMuwz6WUJPLg91h-IGecQWAFHTI0mitrMpfUtsV2A5cebrScttnX_2aUD3orfHm8YjCloClXc2s4Utv38PMZbun93pLa8lpVFWzV9k9Q9lh2g1tuuijPeyIPkfVHUC1foGoB3v-JwKOba47FbQL8GtFppI_voK1lcCCVwcdGsSL1S56mQAF0zRYrGrTpcxpASDB-t8ib0QrpSdN9HEWre1-utkhqAXnILIhwHDNwLEEms5hqsOEia5grObXFU_bKzq5u0GOYCMy4TXadBGIEM9IA
I agree about the prejudice dressed up as an informed review.
Apart from being widely recognised as the outstanding car design of its era, the DS is a very strong car. All those panels bolt on to a very strong frame which will not rust in the CA climate, can even be repaired and painted individually if you wanted to.
Engine with this stated mileage will be good for another 50 years. If there is no obvious fault with the hydraulics they are usually ok.
In EU this is worth way more than current bid
Even the hydraulics are simple to repair. New spheres sell from 100UK pounds sterling, the hydraulic piping maybe metric sizes but with some ingenuity imperial sized can be fitted.
And spares are freely available in the UK and South Africa. That’s easily a $4000 car as is. They go for much more in South Africa in similar condition. The rust on the trailing edge of the bonnet is very common.
Classic & Sports article “Bossaert GT 19: the last forgotten Citroen DS sports coupé” with two coupés and one sleek cabriolet, most attractive of the lot:
https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/bossaert-gt-19-last-forgotten-citroen-ds-sports-coupe
I looked at this car in person, and in my opinion it was not as advertised, much worse.
The exterior has been repainted a few shades of green with a brush. The two dented doors are not even salvageable, whole door frame is bent. Roof is worn away with fiberglass sticking out of it. Every panel has through rust or a major dent.
The motor is said to run but the water pump was seized and disconnected, so they have been running it without cooling. Suspension has many leaks. Front brake calipers missing.
I hope whoever buys it is fully aware of the project. I hope it gets fixed up as these are getting more rare these days.
Your writer is very short sighted regarding the French and their numerous accomplishments. They not only embraced aeronautics very early on, in the early 20th century they were the leaders of airplane technology and their leadership in automotive technology rivalled even Germany where the whole field was invented. Look at the earliest DeDion Bouton autos for instance. Citroen was first with mass produced FWD and unitized construction. And don’t forget that prior to WWII the most beautiful automobiles ever built – Bugatti, Delahaye, Talbot-Lago and to a lesser extent, Delage all came from France. Today they hold the dubious “honor” of being the world’s armaments supplier – why you just couldn’t have an insurrection in Africa for instance, without their help. The Citroen 2CV is an absolute jewel of a tiny car and I’ve loved every 2CV and Simca to ever grace my driveway
The trouble with Americans is that they believe that if it wasn’t “Made In America” then it is junk! You only have to read some of the comments here re English/Italian/French/Swedish cars/motorcycles/Lucas electrics etc. which are normally all derogatory.
I’ve owned an MGB and a Triumph Bonneville and to be honest Lucas Electrics is awful. On the other hand, my Morris Minor was magnificent.
I had a 1970 ID19 for about eight years and it was a pleasure to drive and was also very reliable. There is an aircraft engineer in Seattle [Chris Dubuque] and he sold me a rebuilt front axle assembly and there are people in Abbotsford, B.C. who rebuild the spheres. The engines are basic four cylinder overhead valve engines and they are reliable. I really enjoyed my experience with the Citroen and consider it one of the best cars I have ever owned. Turn signals don’t cancel themselves however–just one of those French quirky things that endear the car to its owners.
I’ve always wanted to drive one of these or at least ride in one. I have to say that the steering wheel on these cars are really unique and I like it! If I had the resources, knowledge and ability not to mention space; I’d take a shot on reviving this. The reality however is that I possess none of the above. I hope this car finds a new owner that can get it back on the road.
It’s way to far gone get it loaded up for it’s last trip!
Is Barnfinds becoming like Twitter? I made a post critical of the author, Brian K. It appeared when I posted it, but has now disappeared.
I’ve had this happen to me before too, even though I am always polite and moderate in my very few critical comments…..
Cannot state which ones specifically, but panels of industrial designers consistently vote the Citroen DS as among the most beautiful cars of all time.
Anyone contemplating body/rust repair on of these must get John Chassen’s WHY CITROEN the “Bible” for owner/restorers of these magnificent machines.
Among other things it contains drawings for panel fabrication and replacement.
I’ve known John Chassen personally; I would go as far as calling him the DS and SM « gourou »…his book on Citroën is a must for whomever owns (or not) a Citroën. Funny anecdote: he was once stranded somewhere with his DS and no brakes (not sure what caused that failure). He needed new brake pads but none were available where he was so he made them out of oak, no kidding! I did ride with him when these pads were still on and you could smell the wood heating up as he applied the brakes…..obviously that was an emergency « fix » but it stuck with me.
This is a car I have always wanted, or at least to ride in one. When I think about this particular car being in California, it makes me wonder if it’s the same one featured in an episode of C.H.I.P.S. years ago. LOL The guys stopped one driving on the freeway with only three wheels attached. They couldn’t believe that the suspension would allow for that, but it sure did.
It seems very, almost totally complete. Other than missing spare wheel, the engine bay looks totally correct. Also, it is sitting at the correct ride height which means that the hydraulic system is working. That together with the working engine means that the mechanicals are sound needing only some tidying up.
The body work is not as bad as some that I have seen. Fully restored this is easily a $30 000 car in Europe.
If I was so far away, I’d bid on it without thinking twice. complete.
French cars in general have very plush suspensions but the Citroen ID and DS are a cut above. I’ve owned 2 Citroens in my lifetime and both were very comfortable touring cars. Again, that suspension…